How to Train a Horse That Won't Go

Riding or training a horse that does not want to go forward when you tell it to can be frustrating. Whether it is a young horse that does not know any better or an older horse that has developed bad habits, trainers need to determine why the horse is resistant to moving forward and then find a way to encourage the horse to move forward on command. Training horses often takes time, patience and experience. If you are having problems training your horse, you should enlist the help of an experienced horse trainer.

Things You'll Need

  • Bridle
  • Saddle
  • Round pen
  • Lunge whip
  • Spurs
  • Riding crop
  • Snaffle bit
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Instructions

    • 1

      Have your veterinarian thoroughly evaluate your horse for any signs of pain or health problems that may be causing it to resist movement. Health issues such as arthritis can cause a previously willing horse to resist movement. Rule out all potential medical causes before continuing training efforts.

    • 2

      Check tack fit and appropriateness. If you do not know how to check proper saddle fit, have your saddle evaluated by a professional saddle fitter. Also, check your bridle fit to make sure the bit and the fit of the bridle are appropriate for your horse. Bridles that are too tight or unnecessarily strong bits may make your horse resistant to going forward. Have your bridle fit checked by an experienced horse trainer.

    • 3

      Evaluate your own riding skills. Some beginning and intermediate riders develop the bad habit of using the horse's mouth for balance, which leads to constant pulling on the mouth. Pulling back on the mouth is the command not to move, so you want to make sure that you are not inadvertently telling the horse not to go when you are riding it.

    • 4

      Lunge your horse in a round pen, giving him verbal and physical commands to go. Get him responding well to your commands to go forward on the ground and it will help you when you are in the saddle. Clicking, clucking or even telling the horse the name of the gait can all be effective verbal cues.

    • 5

      Ride your horse while giving the same forward commands that you gave while lunging. If the horse does not respond, use a training aid such as a spur or riding crop to give him added incentive. Do not beat the horse or harm the horse with these aids: that is not how they should be used. If you have not had instruction on how to properly use training aids, contact an experienced riding instructor for a lesson.

    • 6

      Praise positive behavior. When your horse goes like you want it to, verbally praise it and pet its neck. Make a big fuss over the horse when it does what you want it to. Horses generally respond well to verbal encouragement.